Who are considered 'Bambu Affiliates' in the context of the General Release?
Bambu Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Release. Franchisee, for itself and its affiliates, and their respective current and former successors, assigns, officers, shareholders, directors, members, managers, agents, heirs and personal representatives ("Franchisee Affiliates"), hereby fully and forever unconditionally releases and discharges Bambu and its affiliates, and their respective successors, assigns, agents, representatives, employees, officers, shareholders, directors, members, managers and insurers (collectively referred to as "Bambu Affiliates") from any and all claims, demands, obligations, actions, liabilities and damages of every kind and nature whatsoever ("Released Claims"), in law or in equity, whether known or unknown, which Franchisee or the Franchisee Affiliates may now have against Bambu or the Bambu Affiliates or which may hereafter be discovered. Without limiting the foregoing, Released Claims includes, but is not limited to, all claims, demands, obligations, actions, liabilities and damages, known or unknown, in any way arising from or relating to: (i) any relationship or transaction with Bambu or the Bambu Affiliates, (ii) the Franchise Agreement or any related agreements, and (iii) the franchise relationship, from the beginning of time until the date of this Release.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 52–209)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bambu's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, when a franchisee signs a general release, they are releasing claims against Bambu and its affiliates. Bambu Affiliates are defined as Bambu and its respective successors, assigns, agents, representatives, employees, officers, shareholders, directors, members, managers, and insurers.
This definition is important because the franchisee is not only releasing claims against Bambu itself, but also against all of these related parties. This means that if a franchisee has a dispute, they cannot sue any of the individuals or entities included in the definition of "Bambu Affiliates" after signing the release.
It is also important to note that the release covers all claims, demands, obligations, actions, liabilities, and damages of every kind and nature whatsoever, in law or in equity, whether known or unknown, which Franchisee or the Franchisee Affiliates may now have against Bambu or the Bambu Affiliates or which may hereafter be discovered. This is a very broad release, and franchisees should carefully consider the implications before signing it. Franchisees should seek legal counsel to fully understand the scope of the release and its potential impact on their rights.